Method and apparatus for automatically measuring time intervals



Jan. 5, 1954 D. w. BURBECK 2,665,410

METHOD AND APPARATusFoR AUTOMATICALLY I MEASURING TIME INTERVALS Filed March 15, 1951 A 4 Sheets-Sheet l DECODERY I AH 26 U 23 v 22 r v 7 2?, '0 PULSED ELECTRONlC PULSED STANbARb OSCILLATOR swn'cu F OSCILLATOR OSCILLATOR I y PULSE 127 PULSE SHAPER SHAPER COINCIBENCE -a.

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Jan. 5, 1954 D. w. BURBECK 2,665,410

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MEASURING TIME INTERVALS Filed March 15, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INPUT A DECODER k 1 PULSED PULSEb 7 ag 5C|LLATDR OSCILLATOR GENERATOR PULSE PULSE PULSE SHAPER SHAPER SHAPER I L 36 f 35 f COINCIDENCE comcmzuc: Q CIRCUIT cmcun' F 40; y

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Jan. 5, 1954 D. w. BURBECK 2,665,410

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MEASURING TIME INTERVAL-S Filed March 15, 1951 h 4 Sheets-Sheet s s M )1 i A W IE I I3 4 DECODER S l Q 53 53'] [M PULSED PULSED L- OSCILLATOR OSCILLATOR r r r PULSE PULSE comcloms ga SHAPER SHAPER cmcun GENERATOR 52 "OR" Cmcun' fb '1 J I N55 O 0 $0 0 '9 GATE GATE GATE GATE GATE c C Q- B-C c f C n l A (54 IIORII I CIRCUIT SECONDN FIRST 57-- UNIT FRACTIO FRACTION COUNTER coumaa I UNTER d. 1' l\. R A

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If j DONALD W, BURBECK.

Jan. 5, 1954 Filed March 15, 1951 D. W. METHOD AND APPARATUS BURBECK MEASURING TIME INTERVALS FOR AUTOMATICALLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 s A A DECODER 7 I M r 73w PULSED PULSED I I E El OSCILLATOR OSCILLATOR 79 PULSE SHAPER 70 UNIT PULSE FIXED 76 GENERATOR DELAF emcmsucz CIRCUIT I /b r 8 rs! a '.'R" GATE R" GATE em: cmcun c mRCurr C 7 f O GATE r\ I, 4 n "OR" 1 g cmcun 82.. R" GATE u Ru ecmcun' cnzcurr r FRACTION unn- COUNTER COUNTER PM a J A' l P T T2 b llllllkfl aangna-aTa-j 4 r1-\ c. Jflhkhfi lnaahaaaua A A ar- L INVENTOR. d h H a 1 HM bomua W.BURBECK. e lfilklflflflllififil By diwk v 1 Patented Jan. 5, 1954 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATI- CALLY MEASURING TIME INTERVALS Donald W. Burbeck, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Hughes Tool Company, Houston, Tex., a corporation of Delaware Application March 15, 1951, Serial No. 215,691

(01. s24 ss) 17 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically measuring time intervals, and more particularly to a double interpolation method and apparatus for measuring time intervals, one interpolation being performed at each end of the interval to be measured.

In copending U. S. patent application, Serial No. 215,692, for Method and Apparatus for Measuring Time Intervals, by Donald W. Burfee Time interval T1 is the time interval between the first of the pair of signals and the initial pulse of the unit count, and time interval T2 is the time interval between the final pulse of the unit count and the second of the pair of signals.

A pair of auxiliary or Vernier oscillators are utilized to measure the fractional time intervals T1 and T2. The first vernier oscillator is actuated by the first of the pair of signals for producing beck and Herbert B. Brooks, filed March 15, 1951, lo a first series of Vernier pulses, while the second there is set forth a method and apparatus for Vernier oscillator is actuated by the second of the measuring the time interval between a pair of pair of signals for producing a second series of signals. According to the method of this appli- Vernier pulses. The number of Vernier pulses of cation, the measurement is performed by countthe first series, occurring during the time interval ing the number of pulses delivered by a master between the first of the pair of signals and a first unit pulse generator during the interval, and coincidence between a pulse of the first series and then counting the number of pulses delivered by a pulse from the continuously running oscillator, an auxiliary or Vernier pulse generator during then represents fractional time interval T1. the fractional time interval remaining, when- Similarly the number of Vernier pulses of the ever the interval of time under measurement is second series, occurring during the time interval not exactly equal to a multiple number of the between the second of the pair of signals and a period of the unit pulse generator. Each of the second coincidence between a pulse from the congenerators set forth above includes an oscillator tinuously running oscillator and a pulse of the which is pulsed by one of the incoming pair of second series, represents fractional time intersignals '15 V81 T2.

It is well known in the art that pulsed oscilla- According to one embodiment of the invention, tors do not possess a very high degree of freeach of the fractional time interval measurequency stability and frequency precision. For ments is made by a separate counter. Thus, one a short series of oscillations the frequency stabilcounter is coupled to the first Vernier oscillator, ity of a, pulsed oscillator is sufiicient for good to and is actuated by the first signal and deactuated interpolation accuracy, but for a long series, the by the first coincidence. The other counter is accuracy is greatly decreased. Thus, it is clear coupled to the second vernier oscillator, and is that the method and apparatus disclosed in the actuated by the second signal and. deactuated by above identified application would produce a rethe second coincidence. According to another sult which decreases in accuracy with increase in 3.3 embodiment, a single counter is utilized to measlength of the time interval to be measured. ure both fractional time intervals. In the latter The present invention discloses a method and embodiment, the counter is coupled to the vernier apparatus for measuring time intervals wherein oscillators, and is actuable by the first and second the accuracy remains sumciently high when the signals and deactuable by the first and second interval to be measured is long, that is, for long' 40 n i n In e her a e. he unt r may time intervals, the accuracy is far greater than present the final measurement in either digital or that obtained with the system of the aboveanalog form, whichever is preferred. identified application. This result is attained The invention also discloses novel arrangeby the provision of a continuously running oscilments for eliminating ambiguities in the unit later which can be crystal controlled. time interval measurement, Whenever the first or According to the method and apparatus of the second signal arrives at or near coincidence with present invention, the time interval At to be a pulse from the continuously running oscillator. measured is divided into three components, a unit In such event, an error may arise in th unit time time interval T, a first fractional time interval interval measurement, due to the fact that an T1, and a second fractional time interval T2. The extra unit pulse may be counted, or a unit pulse continuously running oscillator is utilized to measure the unit time interval T by coupling a counter to this oscillator and actuating and deactuating the counter in response to the first and second signals, respectively, of the pair of signals,

may be missed. To remove the possibility of this error, the unit time interval is initially measured by the first Vernier oscillator until the first coincidence, then by the continuously running 0scillator until the second coincidence, and finally the second Vernier oscillato until a time uivalent to a fixed number of vernier pulses ;er the occurrence of the second signal. To tain the actual unit time interval measureent, it is then necessary to subtract this fixed imber from the recorded unit count.

Although the invention will particularly be deribed in connection with pulse oscillators, it

.ould be apparent that periodic signal generators any form may be utilized with equal success any of the embodiments of the present inven- 311. Accordingly, it is to be understood that. 1e illustration and description of pulse osciltors and pulse generators are; not intended. to mit the scope of the invention, but merely to mplify the disclosure.

It is, therefore, an object of this. invention to rovide a method and apparatus for measuring is time interval between a pair of signals with high degree of accuracy for any length of time lterval.

Another object of the-invention is to provide a iethod and apparatus for measuring the time inarval between a pair of signals wherein the time iterval is divided into three components, a unit aterval, and a pair of fractional tim intervals.

A further object of the invention is to provide method and apparatus for measuring the time nterval between a pair of signals which employs double interpolation system, one interpolation .t each end of the interval to be measured.

Still another object of the present invention is .0 provide a method and apparatus for measurng time intervals, and including a pair of Vernier )scillators for interpolating at each. end of the aime interval to be measured.

The novel features which are believed to be :haracteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanyingv drawings in which several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the double interpolation system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a composite diagram or waveforms at various points in the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a modification of a;

the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of another double interpolation system which eliminates ambiguity as to the initial and final pulses in the unit counter;

Fig. 5 is a composite diagram of thawaveiorms at various. points in the system of Fig. l;

Fig. 6 is a. block diagram of. a modification of the system of Fig. 4, and

Fig. 7 is a composite diagram. of waveforms at various points in the circuit of Fig. 6.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in. Fig. l a crystal controlled standard. oscillator 0' coupled to a unit counter ll through a pulse shaper M and a gate i5. A decoder i! has its input end connected to the source, not shown, of signals to be measured and one pair of its output terminals connected to the opening and ing, terminals, respectively, of gate 55. For the purpose. of illustration, the pair of signals are sumed to be a pair of pulses. M and S, although it we .LA

is to be understood that the invention is applicable to signals other than pulses.

The one pair of output terminals of decoder ii also are coupled, respectively, to the input terminals of pulsed Vernier oscillators 23 and 23', oscillators 23 and 23 being coupled to fraction counter [8 through electronic switch 22, pulse shaper is, and gate. 21. The output terminals of pulse shapers l4 and it are connected to the input terminals, respectively, of coincidence circuit It which has its output terminal connected to the closing, terminal of gate 2 l.

Referring 7] to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the time interval At between pulses M and S is equal to the unit. count interval T plus the fractional time interval Tl between pulse M and the i mediately succeeding pulse from pulse shaper id, plus the fractional time interval T2 between pulse S and the immediately preceding pulse from pulse shaper M. Standard oscillator i8 is used to measure the unit count time interval? oncounter ll, while oscillators 23 and 23 are used. for ob ta-i-ning vernier measurements of the fractional counts T1 and, T2, respectively, on. counter 5.3.

In operation, it is assumed that pulses M ands are preceded by pairs of code pulses is and 25, respectively, and, as. shown: in Fig. 2, that the spacing between pulses 24- is different from the spacing between pulses 25, and the spacing between pulse M and the second of pulses 2 is different from the spacing between pulse S and. the second of pulses 25. Accordingly, decoder H may include a pair of pulse selector circuits, each pulse selector circuit including a pair of doublepulse selectors of the type illustrated in Fig. 10-2 on page 367 of volume 19 of. the M. I. T. Radiation Laboratory Series, published in 1949 by Mo- Graw-Hill Book Company, Inc, which is hereby made a part of this disclosure. The first selector of the pair would be responsive to the time interval between pulses 2d and would have its output end connected through conductor 26 to one input terminal of switch 22. The second pulse selector of the first pair would be responsive to the output of the first selector and to pulse M, and would have its output end connected through conductor 21 to the input end of oscillator 23 and through conductor 2? and delay line 29 to the opening terminal of gate It.

The second of the pair of pulse selector circuits would be similar to the first and would operate to apply pulses 25 through conductor 26' to the other input terminal of switch 22 and apply pulse S to the input end of oscillator 23. Pulse S would also be applied over conductor 28 to the closing terminal of gate l5.

Referring again to Fig. 2, the sequence of. operationsv of thecircuit of Fig. l is now set forth. Standard oscillator ii! is continuously running, at a predetermined frequency, for example one megacycle. per second, and produces a first series of. uniformly spaced pulses at point a, the output end of pulse shaper l4. Pulses 24 appear first and actuate switch 22 to close the circuit between oscillator 23 and pulse shaper 59. However, since oscillator 23 has not been triggered, no output signal appears at point c, the output end of pulse shaper l9.

Upon the appearance of pulse M. in the output of decoder ll, oscillator 23 is triggered and produces a second series of uniformly spaced pulses at point 0. Pulse M also is impressed, through conductor 21 and delay line 29, on gate [:51 to. opengate iii. Since it is desired to. measare the time: interval between pulses M and S.

the unit count of time intervals is actually one less than the number of pulses appearing at point a between the appearances of pulses M and S. Accordingly, delay line 29 is provided to introduce a delay of one microsecond, the assumed time interval between the pulses appearing at point a. In this manner the pulses appearing at point b, the input to unit counter ll, may be made exactly equal in number to the number of unit time intervals between pulses M and S.

Pulse M also is applied, through delay line l2 and isolating stage l3, to the opening control terminal of gate 2|. Delay line I2 is provided in order to delay the opening of gate 2| for a period of time equal to the time interval between the pulses from oscillator 23.

Electronic switch 22 remains closed until the appearance of pulses 25 at the output of decoder H. At this instant, switch 22 is again actuated to open the circuit between oscillator 23 and pulse shaper l9 and to close the circuit between oscillator 23 and pulse shaper l9. Upon the appearance of pulse S at the output of decoder ll, oscillator 23' is started and produces a third series of uniformly spaced pulses at point 0, the output of pulse shaper I9. Pulse S also is applied over conductor 28 to the closing control terminal of gate l5 to close gate I5, and to the opening control terminal of gate 2| through delay line l2 and isolation tube I3.

Referring again to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the series of pulses appearing at point I), the input to unit counter I1, begins one unit pulse delay after the appearance of pulse M, at which time gate 15 is opened, and ends on the unit pulse immediately preceding the appearance of pulse S, at which time gate I 5 closes. The number of pulses t counted by counter I! then represents the number of unit time intervals between pulses M and S.

It now becomes necessary to measure the fractional time intervals T1 and T2 between pulse M and the next succeeding unit pulse and between pulse S and the next preceding unit pulse, re-

spectively. Oscillator 23, which is assumed to a have a lower frequency than that of oscillator I0, is used to measure T1, while oscillator 23', which is assumed to have a higher frequency than that of oscillator I0, is used to measure T2. For vernier operation, the frequency of oscillator I0 is related to the frequencies of oscillators 23 and 23' according to the relationships L and t n 11.

respectively, where n is an integer.

As previously stated, the appearance of pulse M at the output of decoder II opens gate 2 I, after a suitable delay. This produces a series of pulses at point d, the input to fractional counter [8. This series is stopped by the closing of gate 2|, which results whenever coincidence exists between a pulse at point a and a pulse at point 0. The number of pulses in counted by fraction counter I8 then represents the number of fractional time intervals between pulse M and the next succeeding unit pulse.

Similarly, gate 2! is again opened by pulse S and again closed by coincidence between a pulse at point a and a pulse at point 0 to produce a second series of pulses at point :1. The number of pulses t2 second series of pulses represents the number of fractional time intervals between pulse S and the immediately preceding unit pulse. As stated above, the total time interval A} between 6 pulses M and S is then the sum of T+T1+T2. In terms of the unit count, the total time interval At is equal to This summation may be performed in any convenient manner.

Coincidence circuit I6 may be any circuit capable of producing an output pulse whenever a pulse on one input terminal thereof coincides with a pulse on the other input terminal. One suitable circuit is that illustrated in Fig. 10-18 on page 381 of volume 19 of the above-cited text. Furthermore, if desired, phase coincidence may be employed, as in Fig. 3 of the above-identified application.

Where pulses M and S are not preceded by codin pulses, a modification of the circuit of Fig. 1 is required. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a circuit which can measure time intervals At which are shorter than the time interval between the unit pulses. Fig. 3 shows one circuit which incorporates both these features.

Referring now to Fig. 3, a standard pulse generator 3B is connected to a unit counter 31 through a pulse shaper 3'4 and a gate 35. A

, decoder 3! which may be of the type illustrated on Fig. 2 of the above-identified application, has one output terminal connected to pulsed oscillater 33, the other output terminal of decoder 3! being connected to pulsed oscillator is Oscillator 33 is connected to initial fraction counter 38 through pulse shaper 39 and gate 4!], while oscillator 33' is connected to final fraction counter 38' through pulse shaper 35' and gate 46.

Opening of gate 35 is controlled by the appearthere being a suitable delay line H between decoder 3! and gate 35. Similarly, opening of gate 40 is controlled by pulse M through delay Gate All has its opening control terminal connected to decoder 3! through delay line 43 so that gate 49' is responsive to the appearance of pulse S.

Closing of gate M is controlled by coincidence circuit 36 and results upon coincidence between pulses from pulse shapers 34 and 39. Coincidence circuit 36' controls the closing of gate til and is responsive to coincidence between pulses from pulse shapers 3t and 39. The closing of gate 35 is controlled directly by pulse S.

In operation, unit counter 37 will record all the pulses from pulse shaper t l occurring between the delayed appearance of pulse M and the appearance of pulse S at gate 35. Thus, if pulses M and S are separated by a time interval smaller than the interval between the unit pulses, that is the pulses from pulse shaper 3 1, no count will be registered in counter 3?. Gate 49 opens after a suitable delay after the appearance of pulse M, this delay being equal to the time interval between the pulses from pulse shaper 39. Gate 69 closes, as set forth above, so that counter "58 records the fractional count of the time interval between pulse M and the immediately succeeding pulse from pulse shaper Similarly, counter records the fractional count of the time interval between pulse 5 and the immediately preceding pulse from pulse shaper As in the circuit of l, the total. unit count is equal to the sum of the count of counter 33 and the counts of counters E8 and 38' divided by n. v

In, the embodiments or the invention thusiar scribed, the arrival of pulse M initiated the lunting of standard or unit pulses by the unit vunter, while the arrival of pulse S stopped the :unting by the unit counter. Whenever pulse 1 or pulse S arrives at or near coincidence with 1e standard pulses, a possibility of an error of 1c unit count arises. In order to eliminate this rnbiguity in the unit count, the circuit of Fig. is provided.

Referring r standard pulse generator a8 coupled to a unit Junter through an or circuit 5 and a ate 5%. Circuit M- is a conventional circuit for roducing an output signal whenever an input ignal on either of its input terminals. Lw'ener-ator also is coupled to one input termilal of a coincidence circuit 53.

A decoder 5i, similar to the decoder of Fig. 3, ias its input terminal coupled to the source, not .hown, of pulses M and S, and its output termiials coupled to the input terminals of pulsed iscillators 5 5 and 53', respectively. The output erminals of oscillators and 53 are coupled, respectively, to the input terminals of or cir- :uit 2 through pulse shapers 59 and 58'. Circuit 52 has its output terminal connected to the other input terminal of coincidence circuit 55 and to the input terminals of gates to and 66. Gate 65! has its output terminal coupled to the input terminal of a first fraction counter 58 and to the other input terminal of or circuit 55, while gate cc has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of a second fraction counter 58'. The output terminal of coincidence circuit 56 is coupled to the input terminals of a pair of gates 6i and 5 i respectively.

Opening of gates 6t and GI occurs upon the appearance of pulse M at the output of decoder new to 4, there shown a unit 5%, while the appearance of pulse S at the out- 1 put of decoder 5! opens gates Eli and 5|. The appearance of a signal at the output of gate 6| closes gates 66 and 65, while an output signal at gate ti closes gates and 6!. Gate 55 is opened by a signal in the output of gate ti and closed by a signal in the output of gate 6!.

In operation, referring now to Fig. 5, the time interval At to be measured is the interval between pulses M and S appearing at point a, the input to decoder El. Upon the appearance of pulse M at the output of decoder 5i, gates and 6! are: opened and oscillator 53 is started. As shown in Fig. 5, oscillator 53 is so arranged as to produce its first output signal at a period exactly equal to one occurrence of pulse M. One convenient type of oscillator for performing this funtcion would be a pulsed L-C oscillator of the. ringingtype. The frequency of oscillations of oscillator 53 is preferably less than that of generator 58, the ratio of the frequencies being according to the relationship n/n-l-l. In this manner, the output of oscillator 53 passes through pulse shaper 59 and appears as a series of pulses at point 0, the output of circuit 52.

With gate 60 open, this series of pulses appears at point (1, the input of first fraction counter 53. The series of pulses is also passed through circuit 5 3 to point e, the input to unit counter 51. It is thus seen that unit counter 51 initially counts fraction or Vernier pulses from oscillator 53 and pulse shaper 59. Gate 60 remains open until coincidence occurs between the pulses from generator 50 and the pulses at point 0. At this instant, a' signal appears at the output time interval after the 3 of coincidence circuit: 55, this. signal passing through open gate Bl to open gate 55' and lose gates 60 and BL.

In this manner, the pulses counted by counter 58 are representative of the fractional time interval 131 between pulse. M and the next succeeding standard pulse from generator 50. With gate 55 open and gate 60; closed, the series. of pulses at point e no longer appears at point a, while the pulses at b pass through gate 55 and circuit 5 3 to unit counter 51.. stated differently, unit counter 5'! begins counting Vernier pulses from oscillator 53 at the, appearance of pulse M; and continues to count these pulses until coincidence between the Vernier pulses and the pulses from generator 50. After coincidence, counter 51 continues to count, but counts standard or unit pulses from generator 50.

In this manner, any ambiguity as to the initial count of counter 51' is removed, and unit counter 5'! always counts the proper number regardless of when pulse M arrives. Although, the number of Vernier pulses countedv by counter 51 is one less than the. number that would have resulted if standard pulses had been counted, the count obtained is exact, since the number of time intervals is one less than the number of pulses, as pointed out above.

Upon the appearance of pulse S, counter 51 continues to count standard pulses since, gate as remains open. Pulse S does open. ates 60 and 6! and start oscillator 53''. Oscillator 5.3" is similar to oscillator 53, but has: a higher irequency of oscillation than that of oscillator 53, and that of generator 50. The output of oscillator 53' passes through pulse shaper 59, and circuit 52 and appears as a second series of pulses at point 0., With gate 60'- open, this second series of pulses appears at point fand is counted by second fraction counter 58'.

Upon coincidence between the, standard, pulses and the second series of pulses appearing at point 0, a signal appears at the output of coincidence circuit 56. This signal passes through open gate 6,! and is effective to close gates 55, t9 and 6 1:". In this manner, the pulses counted by counter 58' are representative of the fractional time, interval t/z between pulse S and the next preceding unit, pulse.

Counter 51 has counted the number of Vernier pulses between, the occurrence of pulse M and the first coincidence, and the number of unit pulses between the first and second coincidences. Thus, counter 51 stops when coincidence occurs between the second series of Vernier pulses and the unit pulses, and no ambiguity as to the unit count can arise because of the proximity of pulse S to a unit pulse.

In order to obtain, the, unit count t, it, becomes necessary to subtract the secondfraotion count ts from the recorded count inv counter 575. This means that a variable number must. be sub tracted from the recorded unit count each time an exact unit count is desired. The total count in the system of Fig. 4 consists of the unit count, which is the difierence between the counts, or counters 5! and 58', and the fractional count, which is the sum or the counts of countersv 58 and 58'.

In order to eliminate the necessity of subtracting a variable number from the count. of the unit counter, the system of Fig. 6 is provided. The principl of operation of the system. Of Fig. 6 is to carry the unit count, a fixed number beyond the arrival of p lSeSLaml to subtract. this fixed number from the recorded unit count for each reading. This result is accomplished by switching the unit counter, at coincidence between a pulse from the unit pulse generator and a pulse from the second vernier pulse generator, from counting unit pulses to counting Vernier pulses and continuing the counting of Vernier pulses until n number of pulses after the arrival of pulse S. "The number n is then subtracted from the reading of the unit counter to obtain the actual unit count.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a continuously running unit pulse generator 70 is coupled to a unit counter 71 through a gate 75 and an or circuit 14. The output terminal of generator 16 is also coupled to one input terminal of a coincidence circuit 16.

Incoming pulses M and S are supplied tothe input terminal of a decoder i! for placing pulses M and S on two separate lines. The output terminals of decoder 1| are coupled to the input terminals, respectively, of pulse oscillators I3 and 13 which may be of the ringing type, as set forth above. A pulse shaper 19 has its input terminals coupled to the output terminals of oscillators l3 and '13, and its output terminal coupled to the input terminals of gates 38 and 8D and to the other input terminal of coincidence circuit 76.

The output terminal of coincidence circuit 16 is connected to the input terminals of a pair of gates 8i and 81, pulses M and S being applied to the opening control terminals of gates 8! and 81, respectively. The output terminal of gate 8! is connected to its closing control terminal and to the opening control terminal of gate 75. Similarly, gate 85 has its output terminal connected to its closing control terminal and to the closing control terminal of gate 75.

Gate at has its output terminal connected to the input terminal of fraction counter 78, and its opening and closing control terminals connected to the output terminals, respectively, of or circuits 82 and 82'. Pulses M and S, after passing through decoder H, are supplied to the input terminals of or circuit 82, while the output signals of gates 8i and BI are applied, respectively, to the input terminals of or circuit 82'. In this manner, gate 80 is initially opened by pulse M and closed by a first output signal from' coincidence circuit 16, and finally opened by pulse S and closed by a second coincidence output signal.

Gate 89 has its output terminal connected to the other input terminal of or circuit 14, and its opening and closing control terminals connected to the output terminals of or circuits 83 and 83, respectively. Pulse M and the output signal from gate 8! are applied to the input terminals of or circuit 83, which the output signal from gate 81 and pulse S, after passing through a fixed delay circuit 72, are applied to the input terminals of or circuit 83. In this manner, the initial opening and closing of gate 80' occur simultaneously with those of gate 86, while gate 88' is finally opened by the first coincidence output signal and closed a suitable fixed time after the occurrence of pulse S.

In operation, referring now to Fig. '7, the time interval At between pulses M and S is again divided into three components, a unit time interval T, a first fractional time interval T1, and a second fractional time interval T2. Generator is continuously running and produces a first series of uniformly spaced pulses at point I). Oscillator 13 is started by pulse M and, after a delay equal to the period of oscillations of oscillator 73, pror iii n duces a second series of ulses at point 0, the ou put end of pulse shaper '19.

Since gates at and are initially opened 1: pulse M, this second series of pulses will appez at points d and e, the input ends of counters l and 71, respectively. Upon coincidence betwee a pulse of the first series and a pulse of the set 0nd series, as shown in Fig. 7, a signal appeal at the output end of coincidence circuit 76, th: signal passing through gate 8i and or circu: 82 to close gate 88, and through gate 8i and or circuit 83' to close gate Bil. In this manner, th initial count appearing at point it and recorde by fractional counter 73 represents the fractions time interval t1 between pulse M and the firs pulse of the first series occurring during the tim interval between pulses M and S.

With gate 89 open and gat 15 closed, uni counter ll initially counts the fraction or vernie, pulses appearing at point e, in order to removi the ambiguity pointed out above. However, a the first coincidence, gate 89 is closed and gate 1! is opened, so that the pulses now appearing a point e are the pulses from unit generator ill. II this manner, counter 11 continues to count, bui counts the pulses of the first series rather thar those of the second series.

Upon the appearance of pulse S, oscillator 73' is started and, after a delay equal to the period of oscillations of oscillator 13', produces a third series of pulses at point 0. Pulse S is also applied to gates 80 and 8| to open these gates. With gate 89 again open, the third series of pulses appears at point it and is counted by counter 18. Pulse s is also applied to the input terminal of delay circuit 12, for the purpose set forth below.

Counters ll and 18 continue to count the pulses of the first and third series, respectively, until coincidence occurs between a pulse of the first series and a pulse of the third series, as shown in Fig. 7. Upon this second coincidence, a signal appears at the output end of circuit '16 and passes through gate 81' and or circuit 82 to close gate 88. In this manner, thefinal count appearing at point it and recorded by counter 78 represents the fractional time interval T2 between pulse S and the last pulse of the first series occurring between pulses M and S.

At the second coincidence, the output signal from circuit 16 is applied through gate 8| to gate 15 to close gate 15. Simultaneously, this output signal is applied through gate BI and or circuit 83 to open gate 88. In this manner, the pulses of the first series are blocked by gate 15, while the pulses of the third series appear at point e. Stated differently, at the second coincidence, counter 71 stops counting the pulses of the first series and begins counting the pulses of the third series.

Counter 1'! continues to count the pulses of the third series until a time interval equivalent to 11 pulses after the occurrence of pulse s, at which time pulse S reaches the output end of delay circuit 12 and passes through or circuit 83" to close gate 80'. The number n is preferably at least equal to the maximum number of fractional divisions of interval T2 measurable by counter 18. In other words, if the fractional counter 18 were used to measure the fractional count to the nearest one-hundreth, 71. would be at least 100. In practice, n preferably would be in the illustrated case.

. It can thus be seen that the total count recorded by counter ll in any case is equal to the sum of unitcount it plus n, while the total count ii 155 reed y Counter 8 s equalto the sum of terval between the first signal and the initial tional count t1 and fractional count 732. To unit pulse generated by said unit pulse generator in the actual count of time interval A5, it is during the time interval, and pulse counting l necessary to subtract 1!. from the unit count, means coupled to the other of said pair of auxilto add the fractional count. Although the 5 iary generators for producing an indication of cm of Fig. 6 requires a subtraction, it is conthe duration of the fractional time interval be- Superior to he Systems of Figs. 1 and tween the second signal and the final pulse genhat the ambiguity as to the initial and final erated by said unit pulse generator during the pulses is removed, and superior to the systime interval.

of Fig. 4 in that a fixed number is always 10 3. Apparatus for measuring the time interval :racted from the recorded unit count. between a first and second signal, said apparatus 5 is thus seen that the present invention procomprising a continuously running unit pulse as a double interpolation method and apparagenerator for generating a first series of unifor measuring time intervals with a high formly spacedpulses', a pair of auxiliary generree of accuracy for any length of time inators for generating a second and third series ral. The result is attained by dividing the of uniformly spaced pulses, respectively, said pair irval to be measured into three components of auxiliary generators being actuable by the l obtaining a count representative of each first and second signals, respectively, the spacing iponent. Furthermore, any ambiguity as to between the pulses of said first series being reinitial and final unit pulses is removed. lated to the spacings between the pulses of said tshould be understood, or course, that the foresecond and third series according to the relang disclosure relates to only preferred emtionships liments of the invention, and that numerous n n difications or alterations may be made there- +1 and without departing from the spirit and scope the i vent as t forth, in the pp respectively, where n is an integer, pulse countims. ing means coupled to said unit pulse generator N hat is claimed as new is: for producing a unit count indicative of the numpparatus for measuring the time i t rval ber of unit pulses generated by said unit pulse ;ween a first and second signal, said appar generator during the time interval to be measmp n a continuously r n n r ured, and pulse counting means coupled to said for enera in a fir t series of p ri pair of auxiliary generators for producing a first e pail f euXilialY nerators for ge e atfractional count representative of the fractional z a second n h r series f periodic i n ls, time interval between the first signal and the p v y, d pa r f u i ry generators initial unit pulse generated by said unit pulse ing ae il -b e by e fi nd second signals, generator during the time interval, and for prop v y, un means eellpled t0 Said ducing a second fractional count representative n in sly running generator for p ns of the fractional time interval between the second i indication of the number of s g a genersignal and the final pulse generated by said unit ed y d continuously running generator .40 pulse generator during the time interval. g t e time interval to be measured, counting 4. Apparatus for measuring the time interval earls up to One Of Said pail 0f auxiliary between a first and second pulse, said apparatus nerators for producing an indication of comprising acontinuously running unit pulse nation of the fractional time interval between generator for generating first Series of i L8 first signal and the initial signal generated formly Spaced P111565, means for generating a 1 said cont nuously running geneleter during second and third series of uniformly spaced ie time interval, and counting means coupled p lse the spacing between the pulses of said I the other of a P Of auxiliary generators first series being related to the spacings between producing an indieetion Of the duration of the pulses of said second and third series accordle fractional time interval between the second ing t the relationships gnal and the final signal generated by said con- 5 nuously running generator during the time inn n 1 and n+ n-l 2. Apparatus for measuring the time interval etween a first and second signal, said apparatus respectively, where n is an integer, said second omprising a continuously running unit pulse series being initiated by the first pulse, id third.

enerator for generating a first series of uniseries being initiated by the second pulse, means ormly spaced pulses, a pair of auxiliary gener-. coupled to said unit pulse generator for count- ,tors for generating a second and third series mg the number of pulses generated by said unit if uniformly spaced pulses, respectively, said pair pulse generator during the time, interval to be if auxiliary generators being actuable by the first measured, said counting means being actuable ind second signals, respectively, the spacing beby the first pulse and deactuable by the second iween the pulses of said first series being related p and means pl to Said rati ;o the spacings between the pulses of said second means fer Counting, he number of pulses of said ind third series according to the relationshi second" series generated during the time interval between the first pulse and coincidence between {'5 and the pulses of said first and second series, and for n n counting the number of pulses of said third series respectively, where 'n is an integer, pulse countgenerated during the time interval between the ing means coupled to said unit pulse generator second pulse, and coincidence between the pulses for producing an indication of the number of of said first and third series, the total count of unit pulses ated by said unit pulse gener-i the time interval, in terms of the interval beator during the time interval to be measured, tween. the pulses of said first series, being equal pulse counting means coupled to one of said pair to the sum of the count of the first-named countof auxiliary generators for producing an indicaing means and the count of the second-namedtion of the duration of the fractional time incounting means divided by n.

Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second pulse, said apparatus comprising a continuously running unit pulse generator for generating a first series of uniformly spaced pulses, means coupled to said generator for counting the number of pulses generated by said generator during the time interval to be measured, said means being actuable by the first pulse and deactuable by the second pulse, a pair of auxiliary generators for generating a second and third series of uniformly spaced pulses, respectively, the spacing between the pulses of said first series being related to the spacings between the pulses of said second and third series according to the relationships respectively, where n is an integer, one of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the first pulse and the other of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the second pulse, counting means coupled to said one auxiliary generator for producing a first fractional count, the last-named counting means being actuable by the first pulse and deactuable by coincidence between a pulse from said first auxiliary generator and a pulse from said first unit pulse generator, and means coupled to said other auxiliary generator for producing a second fractional count, the last-named means being actuable by the second pulse and deactuable by coincidence between a pulse from said other auxiliary generator and a pulse from said unit pulse generator, the total count of the time interval to be measured, in terms of the unit count, being equal to the summation of the unit count and the first and second fractional counts divided by n.

6. Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second pulse, said apparatus comprising a continuously running unit pulse generator for generating a first series of uniformly spaced pulses, a pair of auxiliary pulse generators for generating a second and third series of uniformly spaced pulses, respectively, the spacing between the pulsesof said first series .being related to the spacings between the pulses of said second and third series according to the relationships l l n+1 n1 respectively, where n is an integer, one of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the first pulse and the other of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the second pulse, a unit counter, a first fractional counter, a second fractional counter, means for coupling said unit counter to said one auxiliary generator, said means being actuable by the first pulse and .deactuable by coincidence between a pulse of said first series and a pulse of said second series whereby said unit counter initially counts the pulses generated by said one auxiliary generator during the time interval between the first pulse and said coincidence, means for coupling said ;unitcounter to said unit pulse generator, said -means-being actuable by said coincidence and deactuable by coincidence between a pulse of said third series and a pulse of said first series whereby said unit counter additionally counts the (number of pulses generated by said unit pulse generator during the time interval between said coincidences, means for coupling said first fracgal tional counter to said one auxiliary gene-rat said means being actuable by the first pulse a1 deactuable by the first-named coincidence wher by said first fractional counter counts the nur ber of pulses generated by said one auxilia generator during the time interval between tl first pulse and said first-named coincidence, a1 means for coupling said second fraction counter to said other auxiliary generator, sa means being actuable by the second pulse at deactuable by the second-named coincidem whereby said second fractional counter coun the number of pulses generated by said Othi auxiliary generator during the time interval be tween the second pulse and said second-name coincidence, the unit count being equal to th difference between the count registered by sai unit counter and the count registered by sai second fractional counter, the total count of th time interval to be measured, in terms of th unit count, being equal to said unit count plu the counts of said first and second fractions counters divided by n.

7. Apparatus for measuring the time interva between a first and second pulse, said apparatul comprising a continuously running unit pulsl generator for generating a first series of uniformly spaced pulses, means for generating 2 second and third series of uniformly spacec pulses, said second and third series of uniformly spaced pulses being initiated by the first anc second pulses, respectively, the spacing between the pulses of said first series being related to the spacings between the pulses of said second and third series according to the relationships 72 d R m an m respectively, where n is an integer, a unit counter, a fraction counter, means for initially coupling said unit counter to said generating means to count the pulses of said second series,

said intermediate coupling means being actuable by said first coincidence and deactuable by a a pulse of said first by said second coincidence and deactuable at a predetermined time after the appearance of the second pulse, said predetermined time being equal to the time interval between n pulses of means for finally coupling said fractional counter to said generating means to count the number of pulses of said third series generated during the time interval between the second pulse and said second coincidence,

enema-1o ods of the signals of said second and third 1 es according to the relationships iectively, Where n .is an integer, means coul to said continuously running generator for ducing a count indicative of the number of iods of said first series occurring during the .e interval to be measured, means coupled to 2 of said pair of auxiliary generators for pro- :ing a count representative of the .fractional re interval between the first signal and the tial signal generated by said continuously runig generator during the time interval to be asured, and means coupled to the other of 6. pair of auxiliary generators for producing a :o'nd fractional count representative of the ictional time interval between the second sig- 1 and the final signal generated by said con- Luo'usly running generator during the time in- I :val to be measured. 9. Apparatus for measuring the time interval tween a first and second signal, said apparas comprising a continuously running generator r generating a first series of periodic signals, eans for generating a second and third series periodic signals, said second series being iniated by the first signal, said third series being .itiated by the second signal, the period of the gnals of said first series being related to the s eriods of the signals of said second andthird eries according to the relationships in m and 7H espectively, where n is an integer, means co'uled to said generator for producing an indicaion of the number of periods of the signals of aid first series occurring during the time interval 0 be measured, and means coupled to the first tamed means for producing an indication of the luration of the fractional time interval between ,he first signal and the initial signal generated by iaid generator during the time interval, and for :ro'ducing an indication of the duration of the fractional time interval between the second s'igrial and the final signal generated-by said genarator during the time interval.

10. The method of measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said method comprising the steps of generating a first series ber of Sig-'- nals "of said first series occurring during thetime interval to be measured, generating a second and third series of periodic signals in response to the first and second signals, respectively, the period of said first series of signals being related to the periods of said second and third series of signals of periodic signals, counting the n in accordance with the relationships 71 and respectively, where n is an integer, producinga first indication, in terms of the period of said second series, representative of the interval between the first signal and the initial signal of said 'first series occurring during the time interval to be measured, and producing a second indication, in terms of the period of said third series, repres'entative of the interval between the second signal and the final signal of said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured.

11. The method of measuring the timeinterval between a first and second signal, said method n d n+1 an n-l respectively, where n is an integer, counting the number of signals of said second series occurring during the time interval between 'the fir'st "signal and coincidence between a signal of said first series and a signal of said second series toproduce a fractional count representative of the interval between the first signal and the initial signal "oi said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured, and counting the number of sig nals of said third series occurring during thetime interval between the second signal and coincidence between a signal of the first series and a signal of the third series to produce a count rep;- resentative of the interval between the second signal and the final signal of said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured.

12. Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said apparat'us comprising means for generating a first series of periodic signals, means for generating a second and third series "of periodic signals, said second series being initiated by the first signal, said third series being initiated by the second signal, means responsive to the first and second signals for producing an indication of the number of signals ofsaid first series occurring during the time interval to be measured, and means "for producing an indication of the duration of the fractional time interval between the first signal and the initial signal of the first series erpenocic signals during the time interval and for producing an indication or the duration of the fractional time interval between the second signal and the final signal of the first series of periodic signals during the time interval.

13. Apparatus for measuring the timeinterval between a first and second signal, said apparatus comprising a continuously running unit pulse generator for generating a first series or uni- 'formly spaced pulses, a pair of auxiliary generators' for generating second and third "series if uniformly spaced pulses, respectively, said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the first and second signals, respectively,'the spacing between the pulses of each of said second and'third series being different from the spacing of the first series, pulse counting means coupledto said unit pulse generator for producing a unit count indicative of the number of unit pulses generated by said unit pulse generator during the time interval to be measured, and pulse counting means coupled to said pair of auxiliary generators for producing a firs fractional count representative of the fractional time interval between the first signal and the initial unit pulse generated by said unit pulse generator during the time interval, and for producing a second fractional count representative of the fractional time interval between the second signal and the final pulse generated by said unit pulse generator during the time interval.

14. Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said apparatus comprising generating means for producing a first series of periodic signals having a predetermined period, a pair of auxiliary generators for generating a second and third series of periodic signals, respectively, said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the first and second signals, respectively, the period of the signals of said first series being different from the periods of the signals of said second and third series, means coupled to said generating means for producing a count indicative of the number of periods of said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured, means coupled to one of said pair of auxiliary generators for producing a count representative of the fractional time interval between the first signal and the initial signal generated by said genera ting means during the time interval to be measured, and means coupled to the other of said pair of auxiliary generators for producing a second fractional count representative of the fractional time interval between the second signal and the final signal generated by said generating means during the time interval to be measured.

15. Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said apparatus comprising generating means for generating a first series of periodic signals, a pair of auxiliary generators for generating a second and third series of periodic signals, respectively, the spacin between the signals of said first series being dif ferent from the spacing between the signals of each of said second and third series, one of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the first signal and the other of said pair of auxiliary generators being actuable by the second signal, a unit counter coupled to said one auxiliary generator and said generating means for initially counting the signals generated by said one auxiliary generator during the time interval between the first signal and a first coincidence between a signal of said first series and a signal of said second series and for additionally counting the number of signals generated by said unit pulse generator during the time interval between said first coincidence and a second coincidence between a signal of said third series and a signal of said first series, a first fractional counter coupled to one auxiliary generator for counting the number of signals generated by said one auxiliary generator during the time interval between the first signal and said first coincidence, and a second fractional counter coupled to said other auxiliary generator for counting the signals generated by said other auxiliary generator during the time interval between the second signal and said second coincidence, the unit count being equal to the difierence between the count registered by said unit counter and the count registered by said second fractional counter, the total count of the time interval to be measured being equal to said unit count plus the counts of said first and second fractional counters expressed in terms of the unit count.

16. Apparatus for measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said apparatus comprising generating means for generating a first series of periodic signals, means for generating a second and third series of periodic signals, the spacing between the signals of said first series being diiferent from the spacing between the signals of each of said second and third series, one of said second and third series being initiated by the first signal and the other of said second and third series being initiated by the second signal, a unit counter, coupled to the unit generator and generating means, for initially counting the signals of said second series during the time interval between the first signal and a first coincidence between a signal of said first series and a signal of said second series, intermediately counting signals of said first series during the interval between said first coincidence and a second coincidence between a signal of said first series and a signal of said third series, and finally counting signals of said third series during the interval between said second coincidence and a predetermined time after the appearance of the second signal, said predetermined time being equal to a predetermined multiple of the period of said first series, a fractional counter coupled to said generating means for initially counting the number of signals of said second series during the time interval between the first signal and said first coincidence and finally counting the number of signals of said third series during the time interval between the second signal and said second coincidence, the total count of the time interval to be measured, in terms of unit count, being equal to the summation of a first term equal to the count of said unit counter minus said predetermined multiple and a second term equal to the count of said fraction counter represented in terms of unit count.

17. The method of measuring the time interval between a first and second signal, said method comprising the steps of generating a first series of periodic signals, counting the number of signals of said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured, generating a second and third series of periodic signals in response to the first and second signals, respectively, the period of said first series of signals being different from the periods of said second and third series, producing a first indication, in terms of the period of said second series, representative of the interval between the first signal and the initial signal of said first series occurring during the interval to be measured, and producing a second indication, in terms of the period of said third series, representative of the interval between the second signal and the final signal of said first series occurring during the time interval to be measured.

DONALD W. BURBECK.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,504,852 Lewis Apr. 18, 1950 2,560,124 Mofenson July 10, 1951 

